Avatar: Spirit of Earth, Book Three: Chapter 13

Rey led the resistance back to the underground. The long walk back gave him time to think over what had occurred in the last few hours. They had arrived on the Fire Nation with the intention of freeing the remaining spirits and hitting The Conspiracy where it lived. After locating the area where two spirits were said to be held they were quickly chased away by guards, and were saved by what was soon revealed as members of a resistance movement. All were people who believed Rey, and knew that the Avatar wouldn't betray the people.

Their leader was Beron, the chef and restaurant owner that Rey had met when he was here last. He explained how since Rey left the Fire Nation was put under martial law, and that most of the citizens accepted it without a fight. But some did, and the resistance was formed. With Rey and the others helping, they went out and destroyed a factory that was building an army of platinum mechs, they also destroyed the mechs that they were going in storage near the plant.

As they entered the underground Rey felt himself relax for the first time in a while. He had gotten a win, a major win. And now more than ever he felt he could defeat The Conspiracy. Sure, they still had their members and an army behind them, but now so did he. The resistance could just be the beginning, he knew he had the Spirit Pack and the Mountainbenders on his side. The people of the North Pole knew he was innocent thanks to Oamun. Vivian and Jinzon were out spreading the news that Rey was innocent, so that could lead to more people on his side. Then of course there was the spirits. If he freed them all they would fight with him at the end, or at least some of them would.

And though he knew it was a long way from over, Rey felt inside it was getting closer to the end.

Once in their headquarters Rey sat down and relaxed well and truly. The others quickly filed in and did the same. The girls sat on either side of Rey, Swift sat near him as well. Only Takoa stood, but that was so that he could heal all who needed it. Rey offered to help, but Takoa insisted he rest. Beron appeared and offered food and drink to all. The resistance gladly accepted, then feasted and toasted to their victory.

As they ate and began to chat Rey couldn't help but feel like he was back home at his village. There were times just like this when his village would get together and eat like one big family. They would chat and play games for hours before going to sleep. He smiled as he thought about it.

Soon everyone was done and it was clear that rest was needed. Beron showed Rey and the others to some sleeping quarters, and they all happily accepted the offer to rest there. They all hit their beds and were asleep within minutes.

Though there were no windows, Rey woke up and could tell it was early morning. Feeling refreshed, he got out of the bed he was in and gently walked out without waking the others. He strolled down the hallway until he got to the main room he was in last night. In there he saw Beron sitting at a desk writing. Rey walked to a couch and plopped down on it.

"What are you doing Beron?" he asked as he lied down

"Just writing a report on what we did last night. When it's ready I'll send it to Vivian, and she can make an article on it. That should show The Conspiracy that we mean business." responded Beron

"They should be terrified now. Especially with you in the lead. I still can't believe you're in charge of all this. How did you become leader? Did you beat everyone in a cook-off?"

"Ha, ha, Rey. No, actually they asked me to be leader.'

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Look, you don't know me as well as you think, I was actually a soldier once. I served under Zaron's parents for quite some time before retiring to my kitchen."

"Why you'd stop?"

"I just didn't love it anymore. It had nothing to do my fellow soldiers, commanders, or even the Fire Lord. It was all me. I just realized one day that I didn't want to do it anymore. So when I got the opportunity to leave, I took it. When the resistance happened I was happy to hang back and just be a fighter, but one of them remembered I had experience and suggested I should lead. They voted me in and the rest is history. I think I've done well teaching them to fight."

"Indeed. I have to admit your people did well. Raya and Ena said they followed orders without incident, and performed beyond expectations. You should be proud."

"I am proud. You should have seen us when we first got together. We knew we had to do something, but we didn't know what. And now we're building up our forces while destroying theirs. It's an awesome feeling. But honestly Rey, we couldn't have done this without you. This mission was the biggest we ever did, without your abilities we wouldn't have done half as well as we did."

"You give me too much credit."

"No, you just don't take enough. You inspire people Rey. I noticed it in Raya and that other girl, Takoa thinks the world of you. Many of the people here knew the ones you saved in the factory fire. Oh, you won't believe who also is here, do you remember those--"

A loud noise stopped him, and both he and Rey looked towards a door where loud shouts were coming from down the hall. This time though he didn't recognize the voice.

The noises got louder, and the other members of the resistance, including the girls, Swift and Takoa all entered the main room to figure out what was going on.

Finally the noises drew closer and the door burst open, and for the second time in two days Rey was shocked at who he saw. It was the kids who he played tag with back when he was first in the Fire Nation.

They were all shouting at once in a jumble until they noticed Rey. At which time they all shouted for joy and dog piled him onto the ground.

"Alright, alright, I'm here, yes I'm here, now please get off!" he shouted over them with a laugh mixed in

The kids quickly retreated a few steps back, Rey dusted himself off and got up. He then turned to Beron.

"Is this what you were going to tell me about?"

"Yeah, the kids wanted to join and help you out, how could I say no?" he said with a shrug

"Easily. You say, no." answered Rey, now serious

"Look, their parents are in the group, and they're good with it as long as we don't use them in dangerous missions. So we use them as messengers and trackers. They know the cities better than anyone, especially now. If we need a message sent, and we need to make sure it gets there, we use them. Or if someone needs to be tailed we use them. After all, who would suspect a kid of wrongdoing?"

"Me. But that's because of experience."

He then looked at the kids.

"You sure you want to help?"

The kids all agreed in unison and Rey relented, "Ok fine. Back to business, why were you all shouting?"

"Yes, I told you not to do that." said Beron sternly

"We're sorry Beron." spoke a little girl, "But we were so excited when we got the news we couldn't contain ourselves!"

"Yeah this is huge!" add a boy

"Well don't leave us in suspense," said Rey, "what's up?"

"We found them."

"Them?"

"Hold on, you mean you found the ones we're looking for? asked Beron

"Yes!" shouted the girl handing Beron a piece of parchment, "They're being held north of here, in an underground prison near the coast."

"That's how we came in and we didn't see anything." noted Takoa

"Let me guess, you came in from the old dock? asked Beron to which they nodded, "Well according to this it's a little west of where you landed, you came straight south and thus didn't see it. No worries though."

"But who are you looking for?" wondered Ena

"When everything went wrong, many people spoke out against the new regime. A lot of them were arrested, some...well it got ugly sometimes."

"Monsters." said Raya bitterly

"That's right. As sad as it sounds, it only really happened with the common folk, but when the higher-ups started protesting they couldn't kill them. So they imprisoned them instead."

"And you've been looking for them ever since?" asked Rey

"Yes. It hasn't been easy, they've been moved around constantly. We're pretty sure they expected resistance movements to try and free them. We were never in a position to do that though, so we just let them do their thing. Eventually they got lax and we started spotting some recurring guards. We had the kids and others tail them, and this message right here says their current prison location."

"Fantastic! Let's go get them."

"I would under regular circumstances but..."

"But?"

"This also says that they just put an enormous crate in the prison, one that they were being awfully protective of. And according to this report, one of our people could swear that it glowed for a few seconds when they dropped in on the ground accidently."

"There's a spirit in the prison!" exclaimed Rey, "They knew we were coming and moved the three here to other locations. One is definitely there, we need to go free it!"

"Rey, you know it's not that easy. If one of the spirits is there it's going to be guarded. Especially since the attack on the factory. I wasn't expecting us to get the news this quickly after the attack. It could be a trap."

"I'm sorry, but we have to take that risk. We'll plan accordingly, but I honestly think this is a rare case of coincidence. If anything, they moved the prisoners again because of the attack and the fear we were getting too close. They rushed to a decision and they made a mistake. Let's capitalize on it."

Beron went silent as he thought, he then looked around, "This isn't just my decision, what do you think? All for getting the prisoners out now raise your hands."

The people conversed for a while and didn't do anything. Then the kids all raised their hands, then some of the adults, finally everyone had their hands raised. The decision had been made.

"All right Rey, let's do it. What's the plan?"

At first Rey didn't have a plan, after all he didn't know much about the prison. He asked the kids for the layout of the area and they gave him a quite detailed response. They told him of the terrain and where the prison itself was. Apparently their was base underground, not unlike the place he was in when Jonn Hithan kidnapped him. However this one was literally built into the earth. In fact, it apparently took two Earthbenders to move away some fake dirt to reveal the door. They also said that they searched the entire area as best they could and couldn't find another entrance.

This worried him a little because it meant a direct assault. But it also meant it would be easy to contain all the enemies in side so that they couldn't alert anyone. One way in means one way out, and they would have to make sure they held the entrance else their whole plan could fall apart. He had to get creative.

"Ok, here's what we're going to do..."

After the plan was relayed, Beron started getting everything ready for the attack. They wanted to get going within the hour, so everyone had something to do.

Rey was preparing his things when he felt someone approach behind him. It was Raya. She had a look of fear and desperation, it was clear what she was thinking about.

"Rey....": she started but couldn't seem to get the words out

"I know Raya I'm thinking it too. I also think your father is in the prison." he said with confidence to cheer her up

"You do?"

"It makes sense. He helped us escape, Takoa saw him get taken away, Beron said they aren't killing the people with respect and authority, that means your father should be alive. If they put a spirit in a prison it's because they want it protected and not found, and are confident that the prison will keep them locked up. Good chance a lot of other people are in there as well, including your father."

"I know, it's just...we've been through so much, and I've always tried to keep a level head and my expectations low."

"It's one of the things I admire about you."

She smiled, "Thanks. But after hearing what Beron said I really want my dad to be there. He could help us in so many ways. And...I just miss him so much."

Rey put his hand on her shoulder, "I know Raya, your father is everything to you. If he's in there, we'll get him out, promise."

Raya got choked up, but held back her tears, instead though she lunged out and hugged Rey. Though caught off guard at first, he returned the gesture. After a few seconds she let go and avoided eye contact, clearly she was embarrassed by what she had done.

"Thank you Rey." she said quickly then went off down a hallway

Rey laughed after she left, to him it was amusing and somewhat charming what she did. Raya, the hardened warrior, finally showing she had feelings. More than fear and anger anyway. He had always known she had them, but she rarely showed them. It was hard to believe how far she had come, how far they had all come. As he thought about it he couldn't help but reflect her wishes, if they got Jimon back, and if Graham was to wake from his coma, they would be much stronger than they were before. Both of them had great influence, and could swing some favor their way.

But he knew he couldn't get his hopes up, and as much as he wanted her father to be there, the only thing he knew for a fact was that a spirit was in that prison, and he had to get it out.

As he finished he felt someone else arrive, but they didn't make their presence known.

"No need to be silent Swift. I'm just thinking." said Rey without turning around

"About Raya and Jimon?' asked the spirit

"Were you eavesdropping?"

"I don't need my abilities to hear well. I was already in the hallway when she was talking to you. I waited until I knew she was gone before coming."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Do you think this will work? It's bold, even for us."

"I know, but we have to get them out, and someone has to get it started. This should work."

"I hope so, we have to get to the spirit and release them. Once we free the one in the prison, then only two will remain on the Fire Nation."

"To be honest it's those two I'm worried about." noted Rey now facing Swift with a nervous expression, "They were put in real close proximity to each other. Closer than any of the other spirits we've met. The closest we ever saw was our hawk and eel friend, and they were separated by an ocean more or less. The eel followed us to the hawk, remember? Why were these two put so close together?"

"I do not know," said Swift, "but we do know that these three were definitely harvested for their energies, much like Shorin was. We need to be careful when we free it."

"Agreed. This one may act hostile towards us like Pekar. I want you with me when we free it. Ok?"

"Ok."

A noise behind them made them turn, Beron was in the doorway, "We just got word back from our other groups, they'll send what you need and meet us close to the prison."

"Alright then." said Rey pounding his fists together, "Let's rock."

Making sure they weren't followed they made their way to location of the prison. Along the way they ran into other members of the resistance. Some of them Rey recognized from his various adventures beforehand. But now was not the time for talking, and so they made their way silently to their destination.

It took them a while to get there, as they were on foot, and had to avoid villages and towns cause they would draw suspicion. But soon enough they made it. To the unsuspecting, the area look rather normal, the hills were natural, the grass and trees seemed untouched by man. But they knew better.

"Everyone ready?" asked Rey quietly to the others to which they all nodded, "Ok, Metalbenders and Earthbenders with me. Beron, Ena, Raya get your teams ready, the moment we start be ready to attack the people who open the doors. You know your jobs, let's get this done."

The rest waited while Rey, Swift, and a chosen bunch of benders went off towards the hills. Rey had the Metalbenders spread out and try to feel where the metal walls were. Slowly they each began to find them. As they continued to spread out Rey was amazed at how big the prison was. He feared as they continued that the prison might not just be big, it may be deep, and that could cause problems. But Rey knew he had to focus, and soon they all stopped as they found the edges.

Then he had two Metalbenders search the outline for the doors. Within minutes they found them and alerted Rey, who told Raya, Ena, and Beron where to attack when it happens.

Now ready, he assembled all the benders he had on top of the hill. Metal and earth was about to move...literally.

"Ok everyone, let's make it big." said Rey and with deep breath he jumped into the air and slammed onto the ground making it shake

Then one after the other, both the Metalbenders and Earthbenders followed suit and started to make the ground shake. The frequencies soon began to build upon each other and the area all around began to quake. Even the others had to hold themselves steady as the earth moved all around.

Rey and the benders kept this up, if it was bad up top, they could just imagine what it was like down below. After a few quake filled minutes Rey noticed the earth move in front of the doors, and several soldiers came out screaming. Rey signaled the others, they engaged the enemy and had them defeated quickly.

The doors now open, and the guards disposed of, Rey and the others stopped the earthquake.

"That worked better than I thought." he said admiring their handiwork

"We're not done yet Rey." said Raya who was clearly trying to keep her emotions bottled up, "Only five guards came out, surely there will be more."

"I agree with Raya," said Beron, "Most likely these men weren't experienced and just panicked. I wouldn't be surprised if there were at least twenty more down there."

"Fair enough." acknowledged Rey, "Ok here's what we'll do. Me, Swift, Raya, and Beron will go in with some benders and clear the place out. Ena and Takoa, you're in charge out here. We'll make sure no prisoner comes out before us. So anyone who walks through those doors without one of the resistance with them is the enemy, and should be dealt with."

"Understood." said Ena

"Good. You three ready?"

Raya, Beron, and Swift all nodded, and Rey selected some benders and went inside the prison.

The inside was dark and cold. Exactly like a prison would look like. It was not well lit so both Raya and Rey lit up their hands to give them better visbility. As they progressed Rey's fear was realized, the dungeon was deeper than they thought, they took multiple staircases downward, each lasting longer than the other. It was no wonder they wanted to keep this safe, it was the perfect place to hold someone.

As they leveled off and walked down a hallway the sound of marching filled the corridor. They were soon surrounded by guards.

Rey wasted no time, "Take them out!"

He lunged in one direction with Swift and Beron behind him. Raya went in the other with the benders behind her. The guards were no slouches, and seemed to be trained to deal with benders. Their attacks were efficient, and their movements fluid. Rey found himself getting hit quite a few times before landing a blow himself. He decided to change his style and grabbed one of the guards spear weapons and used it like they did. Only relying on his movements, and not his bending, he took the offensive and starting making headway.

The guards surrounded Rey in an attempt to overwhelm him. To counter this, he broke the spear in half and wield the weapon now as two mini-staffs. Not afraid, the guards charged and one by one took a shot at Rey. He was ready though and bashed their skulls in with his staffs. Once they were all down he bended earth around their arms and legs so they couldn't get up.

By the time he was done, Beron and Swift had finished off their opponents. He turned to see how Raya was doing and noticed that she had single-handedly took down all the guards on her side by herself. The other benders just watched her as she approached the others. She was breathing heavily and had a look of pure fury on her face.

The guards tied up, they made their way back down the corridor and soon found some of the cells. A few were empty, but Rey soon found an occupied one.

"Hey there's someone in here!" he shouted and got one of the Metalbenders to open the door

Rey walked in and was surprised at who was inside.

"Wait a second. Weren't you in the royal court when Zaron was alive?"

The man, who was clearly malnourished and beaten, spoke weakly, "Yes...I was once a court member. But I knew that the Prime Minster...Xeion...had some part in the Fire Lord's death. I challenged him for leadership and lost, and was put in prison for treason."

"I am so sorry."

"Don't be. Every day you survive is another day they haven't won. Zaron would have been happy you lasted this long, and done what you did."

"Sorry, but I'd rather him be happy we won in the end. Speaking of which, we need to get you out, and free whoever else is in here. Is there anything you can tell us?"

"There are at least ten other people in here. They have spread us out so we can't talk to each other. The hallway down there spreads out, you'll need to search them to free them all."

"Did you see a large crate being put in here?"

The man went into thought then his eyes lit up, "Yes, yesterday, it went down the central hallway I believe. It sounds different when they turn, and I heard them for quite some time."

"Fantastic. We're going to get you out now." said Rey kindly and looked at the group, "You, and you. Take him to Takoa and get him healed. The rest of you let's go, we got prisoners to find!"

Their purpose renewed they ran down the hallway until they came to the split off the man mentioned. One went straight forward while the others went left and right.

"What do we do?" asked Beron

"Swift, can you confirm what that guy said about the spirit being down this hallway?"

"I will try." said the spirit and Swift used his vision to try and trace the energy of the spirit that came through, after a few seconds he confirmed the notion, "There is a spirit down the middle hallway."

"Alright me and Swift will deal with this one. Beron take some of the group and go left, Raya the same but go right. Free everyone you can then get out fast,."

"But Rey--" interjected Raya but she got cut off

"Trust me Raya."

She hesitated but agreed and ran off, Beron did the same.

"Come on Swift."

With speed they rushed down the hallway and to Rey's surprise there weren't anymore cells. The walls just kept on going. Finally they reached the end and a large steel door appeared. In front of them was two large guards who blocked it.

"One chance, move." said Rey intensely

"No." said the guards together, "We have been charged with guarding the being that is within this room. You shall not pass. You shall not go in. For the glory of the Fire Lord we shall--"

"Oh screw this." said Rey and with Swift backing him up they both released powerful gales that blasted the guards into the door

They fell to the ground and tried to get up, but Rey finished them off quickly with vicious kicks to the head.

"Now if you don't mind, we're going to pass."

Rey summoned his earth fists and punched the steel door until it crumbled. As he went inside he saw a canister hooked up to a machine. The canister was glowing and appearing to pump power to the machine. It was clear what was happening.

"They're still draining energy from the spirit. They're just doing it in doses now." said Rey

"Have they no shame?" asked Swift

"I wouldn't believe them if they said they did. Come on, let's get the spirit loose."

With a quick combo, Rey released fire rockets that destroyed the machine instantly. The canister stopped glowing and Rey carefully opened it. Inside, to his amazement, was a three foot tall jackrabbit. It was unconscious, and so Rey picked it up.

"Seriously? Man they really don't have any shame. Look at it Swift. Why would they do such a thing?"

As he cradled the jackrabbit it slowly began to wake up. When it saw Rey it started up and kicked itself out of Rey's arms, and began bouncing with fury all around the room. Rey and Swift had a hard time keep up with it.

"Wow that's fast. Can you stop him?"

"If I knew where he was going next? Maybe."

The jackrabbit continued to bounce around, clearly not trying to get caught. Rey put the door back up to make sure it didn't get out of the room. Suddenly it started to talk.

"Won't do that to me again!...Won't catch me!...Never again!...Never again!"

"We're not trying to capture you!" shouted Rey who was starting to get dizzy, "We're trying to free you! I'm the Avatar, Swift is one of your brethren, please let us help!"

After a few more bounces the jackrabbit stopped in front of them and looked at Rey with curious eyes, "You're the Avatar? Oh, my apologies. My name, my name is Laina. I was a resident of these northern parts and got captured, then, then, drained, and moved around, and around, and around, finally they stopped with here, which you know cause you're here. Thank you for being here, thank you for being here."

"Easy Laina, easy. You're safe now, rest up and we can send you home. Swift?"

"Here Laina." said the wolf and he gave her a part of his energy to replenish hers, "That should get you home."

"I'm sorry Swift for not recognizing you, it's just been so long, been so long." said Laina still shaken

"I know. Tell me, do you know where the others are? We know there are two left on the Fire Nation."

"No. No, no, no, no, no. They were split up, then back together, said they were in danger so they were moved again, but I don't know where, don't know where..."

"Ok, ok," said Rey calmingly, "peace. One more question then you can go. We're looking for someone, and we want to know if he is here, ok?"

"Ok. Who?"

"His name is Jimon, he's a---"

"JIMON!!!!" shouted Laina and she started bouncing off the walls again, this time faster, "JIMON! JIMON! JIMON! JIMON JIMON!"

"What'd I say Laina, what'd I say?"

Again the rabbit stopped suddenly in front of him, "Why do you search for him?"

"He's our friend, he's my friends father, we lost him a long time ago and we wish to find him."

"Avatar, he is no friend."

"What? What do you mean? You've seen him here?"

"Of course. But not as a prisoner..." Laina said and then looked at him with very sad eyes, "Avatar, he was the one running the place. He was the warden."

The statement rocked Rey to his core. Jimon was with The Conspiracy.

"How is that possible? Are you sure?" asked Rey, not wanting to believe it

"OF COURSE I'M SURE!!!!" shouted the spirit, "He was the one who put me here! I saw him hook me up to the machine and turn it on! It was him, it was him, it was him!"

Rey didn't know what to say, Swift took the initiative, "Laina, go home, tell the others of what we're doing, ok?"

"Sure, sure, sure. Avatar? I'm sorry."

"So am I." Rey said still stunned

With that Laina opened a portal and jumped through. Rey and Swift just stood there, not knowing what to say.

"What am I supposed to do Swift? I can't tell Raya this, she won't believe me, even with the spirit saying it she won't believe it."

"I know. It will be difficult." said Swift, voice heavy with grief, "I can't tell you what to do, for I don't know myself."

Rey looked around the room totally lost in thought. Everything seemed so right before, the return to the Fire Nation, the destruction of the factory, Raya truly trusting him like never before, and the thought that Jimon was here as a prisoner. But he wasn't here as a prisoner, he was with The Conspiracy, making sure none of the prisoners got out. He shuddered and then shook himself into a state of focus.

"We'll improvise for now. Tell her nothing but that he wasn't here. Other than that? I..."

Rey shrugged and walked out with Swift in tow. After a few silent minutes they emerged outside the prison. The others were there with the freed prisoners. This brought a small smile to his face knowing that they were successful, but he knew it was at a cost. As he approached them Raya ran towards him.

"Rey, I couldn't find my father, Beron didn't see him either, was he...?" she asked with clear desperation

"I'm sorry Raya, he....he.....he wasn't there. It was just the spirit." said Rey with as little wavering as possible